Al Hughes - Take It Or Leave It (Scope)

[Premium Stuff]

Hi folks

 

Anyone tell me anything about Al Hughes and his recording of "Take It Or Leave It" on Scope records out of Detroit please?

 

Lovely looking label.

 

Any info about the history of the record on the rare soul scene - when it was played, who played it etc.?

 

Cheers

 

Richard

Edited September 14, 2013 by Premium Stuff

[Derek Pearson]

File under: Crunching old style Detroit thumper.

 

Seem to think I got my copy sometime during the eighties or nineties for next to nothing (as you did then).

 

Always felt it was a great collectors item but missing something just a little bit extra to elevate it higher.

 

Good but sadly just quite not good enough perhaps it was too simple and basic?

 

Played it out a few times to complete blank indifference.

 

Having said that I can't recall ever hearing it played out anywhere to be honest?

 

And like you say what a great looking label eh.

 

Eventually flogged my copy to Derby George aka Garlic George at one of those Black Music record fairs in Manchester 'bout 10 years ago.

 

Derek

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PbWr0uJI7eo

Edited September 16, 2013 by Derek Pearson

[Dave Pinch]

i had it on an auction tape frpm john manship about 1990...he did them briefly back then...it went for £40 i think..... always been rare imho but never got past being more than a detroit collectors piece

 

 

some say its the same as the satisfactions on smash.........i say it isnt

Edited September 15, 2013 by dave pinch

[Philt]

I've played it out too Dek but the complete indifference was lost on Al Hughes as everything I play is greeted with the same thing.

 

Pretty rare record I think and of those I've seen most appear to have been handled by bears.

[Chalky]

Like Derek remember it from the 80's but no one really persevered with it, guess there was so much stuff around then plenty slipped under the radar.

Edited September 15, 2013 by chalky

[Premium Stuff]

some say its the same as the satisfactions on smash.........i say it isnt

 

Thanks for all the comments guys - interesting stuff.

 

It's a record I like more every time I hear it - bit of a grower. But I agree it's fairly basic and lacking a magic ingredient to set it apart from more sophisticated recordings.

 

Agree with you Dave - it's definitely not the same tune or lyrics as the Satisfactions on Smash.

 

Cheers

 

Richard

[Monkey]

The late Tony Colby did me a 'Detroit' tape in the late 70s this and other sleepers was on it. Not long after picked this and others from the tape, as others have said this didn't really work played out, a bit difficult to dance to ...

[Tony Smith]

I used to play this on and off, very much a "cult" record, personally I love every lo-fi minute of it, maybe thats why others don't like it? read the same for Embracables on Sidra. 

Edited September 15, 2013 by Tony Smith

[Premium Stuff]

read the same for Embracables on Sidra. 

 

The Embraceables is a fantastic record in my book - almost the epitome of the 60s street-level Detroit sound - it's soooooo Detroit 

 

Bloody great record both sides!

 

You have excellent taste sir! 

 

Cheers

 

Richard

[Steve Foran]

First heard it when Rob Marriott did me a great tape of unknown things ( to me). I reckon it was 1980, as Rob used to come to mine before WC.

[Prophonics 2029]

Not a doctor of mental illness

The backing track could be a good record on its own.

[Premium Stuff]

Not a doctor of mental illness

The backing track could be a good record on its own.

 

Shame it's not the instrumental on the other side 

 

Sorry - not very PC of me

Edited September 16, 2013 by Premium Stuff

[Prophonics 2029]

Shame it's not the instrumental on the other side 

 

Sorry - not very PC of me

You think it could be a killer as well.

[Liam2005]

Boys!!

 

I banged the arse of this in the early 9ts at the 100club allnighters and various London clubs, i remember playing it when i got it from butch for a ton and the only person on the dancefloor doing his little swagger was was Guy Hennigan. Great record and always been played in London, Alan h. has now got my copy and still plays it. Value £250ish nowadays, top tune and very underrated.

 

Greg

[Premium Stuff]

Thanks for all the comments guys   

 

So the record has a bit of serious history courtesy of our brothers down south - who have excellent taste   

 

But it has yet to catch on up north - boooooo!

 

Just been bopping around to this one in my kitchen and I think it is seriously, seriously, seriously misunderstood - and like me it should get out more   

 

Cheers

 

Richard

[Gold Band]

first heard this on a tape off Mark Baulch(Polo) from Worcester,1974/5 among other things on the tape were Pat Lewis-No one to love,Hettie Winston-When this battle is over, Hugo Montenegro-in the jungle babe.

Still have the tape must dig it out and play it again,

 

Polo was an inspiration in my early days , he had a great ear for sounds,the fact that he was mates with John Farrell seemed to help one of those types who when asked if he knew such and such"think i´ve got that in the shed" answer comes to mind.

 

Also a right(off it )charachter in his days

 

Steve

 

Maybe a new topic ?  Old unknown tapes

 

One track I'd love to hear Hattie Winston - "When the battle is over" heard from others it's a great track but I've also heard its a one off Acetate Steve, that i'll probably never hear unless someone can tell me who's playing it out

Kirsty

[tosspot]

File under: Crunching old style Detroit thumper.

 

Seem to think I got my copy sometime during the eighties or nineties for next to nothing (as you did then).

 

Always felt it was a great collectors item but missing something just a little bit extra to elevate it higher.

 

Good but sadly just quite not good enough perhaps it was too simple and basic?

 

Played it out a few times to complete blank indifference.

 

Having said that I can't recall ever hearing it played out anywhere to be honest?

 

And like you say what a great looking label eh.

 

Eventually flogged my copy to Derby George aka Garlic George at one of those Black Music record fairs in Manchester 'bout 10 years ago.

 

Derek

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PbWr0uJI7eo

What a great looking 45, even if the track isn't up to your music taste then WOW, it'll be great on hung on the wall lol

[Chalky]

Long story which i believe to be correct? Polo found disc in Worcester,went to Pat Brady when he sold up then it either went missing?(don´t recall Pat playing it) then it arrived at Dave Thorley who played it quite a bit at Stafford.I think (help me Dave) that it then went to Roger Banks but not sure as it is thirty years ago

One thing for sure i think it is great ,bit off the wall but definately got something.

 

I would imagine Dave has a recording of it ?and as he seems to be a bit /lot more cmputer competent than myself maybe he would be a nice chap and put it on here to hear

 

and yes it was an emi disc

 

 

Steve off to dig out that tape and listen again

Hope you find that tape Steve, would love to listen to it, Hattie Winston for one. I have it but not complete.

[Ted Massey]

I bought it in the early 80's for 15 quid and some unscrupulous west mids collectors tried to get it of me cheap as they nearly did with johnny Mae Matthews. Sold it in late 90's for 250